SINGULAR PERTUBATION METHODS IN THE SYNTHESIS OF CONTROL POLICIES FOR PRODUCTION-INVENTORY SYSTEMS.

Abstract

Singular perturbation methods are used to synthesize high-gain error-actuated continuous-time control policies for two production-inventory system models. In the first model it is assumed that the shipping rate is equal to the actual demand rate, whilst in the second model an unfilled order backlog is introduced so that it is not necessary that the shipping rate be equal to the demand rate. In both cases it is shown that the systems will exhibit good transient and steady-state behaviour when controlled by such control policies. It is also shown that non-interacting control can be achieved when an unfilled order backlog is introduced and that the provision of this extra flexibility thus leads to improved transient behaviour.